Children rarely need much encouragement to imagine.

A doll can become a best friend, a brave explorer, a sleepy baby or the captain of a pirate ship before breakfast. Sometimes all they need is a little spark to get the story started.

Here are a few pretend play ideas to inspire your next adventure together.

Gentle everyday play for little ones

For younger children, the most familiar routines often make the best stories.

Bedtime routine

Tuck a favourite doll into bed with a little blanket, a pillow and perhaps a bedtime story.

It's a lovely way for children to care for someone else while recreating a familiar part of their own day.

Bath time

A bowl of water, a soft cloth and plenty of bubbles can become a gentle bath-time adventure.

Washing, drying and wrapping their companion in a towel turns everyday routines into imaginative moments.

Mealtimes together

Set an extra place at the table and let your child's doll join the family for breakfast, lunch or afternoon tea.

They might decide what's on the menu, who's still hungry and who absolutely refuses to eat their peas today.

Off on a walk

Whether it's around the garden, through the park or simply around the house, taking a favourite companion out for the day often leads to wonderful conversations and unexpected adventures.

Big adventures for growing imaginations

As children grow, so do their stories.

The doctor's surgery

A waiting room full of patients, a clipboard, a few bandages and a caring doctor are often all that's needed.

Children love deciding what each patient needs and helping everyone feel better before heading home.

The busiest little café in town

Draw a menu, set the table and welcome the first customer.

Whether they're serving invisible soup, rainbow cupcakes or five cups of pretend tea, children love taking orders and running the whole café themselves.

Welcoming a new baby

A doll can help children explore the excitement and change that comes with a growing family.

Feeding, cuddling and looking after their little companion lets them step into an important new role through play.

School for everyone

Today's lesson might be painting, counting, singing or story time.

When children become the teacher, they often recreate familiar moments while adding plenty of their own ideas along the way.

Stories that keep growing

Older children often return to favourite companions in new ways.

Build a whole world

A bedroom becomes a village. A blanket becomes a forest. A cardboard box becomes a cosy little home.

The story grows a little every day, with new friends, familiar places and adventures waiting around every corner.

Capture the adventure

Some children love drawing maps, writing stories or keeping little journals about everything their companions have been up to.

Every page becomes another chapter in a world that's entirely their own.

A companion for every outing

The adventure doesn't have to stop at home.

A favourite doll might join a family picnic, a holiday, a visit to grandparents or an afternoon at the park, quietly becoming part of the memories made along the way.

Every adventure starts with a companion

Every friend in Dinkum World arrives with their own name, personality and little story, ready to become part of yours.

From everyday routines to extraordinary adventures, they're there for every tea party, every journey and every make-believe world your child creates.

Every cuddle, every conversation and every story adds another chapter that's completely unique.

Touch the rainbow over your Dinkum's heart, close your eyes and imagine where today's adventure will lead.

Meet your new little companion and let the story unfold.